Ally and Christian's wedding on the shore of Nita Lake is the very reason I love fall affairs so very much. Anchored in a rich moody color palette with a cozy lodge setting and a candlelit dinner, it's a perfect ode to the autumn season with romantic touches from vendors like Maurelle Calligraphy. Go see all the pretty that awaits in the gallery from Melia Lucida.

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From the Bride...I never grew up believing that there was a perfect partner out there waiting for me. But, after my second date with Christian, looking into his eyes, it felt as if we had always known each other. A week, and three more dates later, and we were inseparable. Since then, a little over five years from our first date, we have only been apart for a handful of days. And, the fact that it pains me to remember each and every one of those days, shows me that there is in fact a perfect partner and that I had found him.

After a classically inspired engagement at the stunning Rosewood Hotel Georgia, I started planning our big “rustic-elegance” themed wedding day. The most important factor, however, was that I did not want a prolonged engagement. But, even I did not realize how short our engagement was going to be until I fell in love with the location, and learned that their only availability was less than five months away. And, since Christian and I were budget-conscious, and were taking on our wedding planning to cut costs, it was quite the task we gave ourselves!

After far too many three-hour roundtrip drives to the venue, and a number of long and stressful decision-filled days, with the help of our amazing vendors, our vision came together. The day was rustic and romantic, yet elegant and timeless. Even the weather cooperated just long enough for our outdoor ceremony, and our photo session. The wooden vineyard chairs and log-rounds, aged-gold touches throughout, and textured linens and menus, all tied together by incredible florals that were heavy on greenery, and featured hints of blush, and a Protea to honor my South African heritage, made for a seamless and magical day! And, as the staff at the Lodge later recounted to us, the venue was completely transformed!

On the big day, my bridesmaids and I got ready on-site in the stunning Rainforest Suite at the venue, while Christian and his groomsmen got shaves in a suite at the other end of the Lodge. While the day flew by, I will never forget sharing our first dance on the patio, overlooking the lake, while a light mist started to come down. And, just as we were sharing a kiss, my husband’s family surprised me with a breathtaking fireworks display that rounded out what was the most amazing day of my life, and was the perfect start to our lives together!

Christian and I are taking a few months to enjoy our newlywed life, and then we will be heading off on our honeymoon to Rome and the Amalfi Coast of Italy!